Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Velasquez.
Hi Haley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Haley Velasquez, owner of Velas Alchemy Salon & Boutique. In my previous interview with voyage Houston, I expressed my love, passion, and work ethic within the beauty space, my roots run deep within my community & I take pride in that. In a nutshell Velas Alchemy was essentially just a dream, I worked at a corporate salon doing craft fairs on the weekend, always trying to find a way to integrate the two but unsure of how. I had a plan to be on my own when the time was right, but I have a saying I live by “Man plans & god laughs”. I left my corporate salon job a lot sooner than expected & I started renting a salon suite space. In that tiny room I show cased my creativity & artistry to the fullest extent. It was the first step into building a community I would day dream about while washing brushes at the corporate salon. Since my last interview I have now expanded my business from a small salon suite to a full brick and mortar establishment with stylist who work along side me. As I reflect during this interview, man what I would give to go back in time and show myself then, where we are now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We just hit 1 year of being brick and mortar & man have we learned ALOT. From pipes slipping to possums making themselves at home, it’s definitely been a bumpy ride! I’ll say the times that felt like an easy transition were defiantly the bigger aspects of expansion and being completely on our own. Which was important to me because I felt within my faith that if it was meant to be it would happen. The harder times we’ve had to navigate were more so plumping & electrical work. Licensing & regulations were a new ball game for us as well. I do believe as a team, we have learned so much about ourselves & each other, I believe we’re the epitome of a salon family.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Velas Alchemy Salon & Boutique is a full service salon that offers a retail store front. From hair care to self care to eclectic apparel, we have all the essentials you could need. Each of our stylist specialize in different areas of artistry, which in turn creates a dynamic team that’s highly skilled in all areas.
Haley Velasquez, owner and stylist, is passionate about education & product knowledge. She specializes in modern blonding, precise foil application and the iconic 90’s bombshell blowout. Think telenovela star with a money piece. .
Elyssa Brette, stylist, redken certified in styling & education. She specializes in layered haircuts, blonding services & vibrant vivids! Elyssa is passionate about expanding her educational tools to keep up with this ever changing industry.
Hannah Nichole, stylist, is a recent graduate from the prestigious Aveda Institute and is eager to expand her craft one client at a time. She is passionate about becoming a specialist in vibrant vivids, soft & flowing layers, as well as bold, artistic statement piece haircuts. Think Van Gogh but behind the chair.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Since a big part of the beauty industry is trends we are constantly seeking out different educational pathways to help us keep up with the times per se. As a team it’s important we are well equip with the knowledge about the products we use, new cutting techniques, and color services that are sought out. Individually each stylist has their method to madness on what keeps them motivated, which is great because collectively there’s always something new to bring to the conversation from everyone.
Pricing:
- Hydration Haircuts are $65
- All over color starts at $100
- Custom foils start at $150
- Root color refresh are $70
- Tonal glaze are $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://velasalchemysalon-boutique.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velasalchemysalon
Image Credits
7R Savannah Renee photography
